Carton with article protection features

ABSTRACT

A carton for holding a plurality of containers. The carton can comprise a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels comprises a top panel. An insert can comprise a central panel, an inner end flap foldably connected to the central panel, and at least one crown guard flap foldably connected to the inner end flap adjacent a crown guard opening in the insert. The central panel can comprise a stop edge adjacent the crown guard opening, and the crown guard flap can comprise a first portion foldably connected to the inner end flap and a second portion foldably connected to the first portion. The top panel can at least partially overlap the central panel, and the second portion of the crown guard flap can be disposed adjacent the stop edge of the central panel.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/963,653, filed Dec. 10, 2013, and U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/966,736, filed Feb. 28, 2014.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The disclosures of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/855,323,which was filed on May 13, 2013, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/855,305, which was filed on May 13, 2013, U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/959,162, which was filed on Aug. 16, 2013, U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/963,653, which was filed on Dec.10, 2013, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/966,736, which wasfiled on Feb. 28, 2014, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/274,975,which was filed on May 12, 2014, U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/275,143, which was filed on May 12, 2014, U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/419,740, which was filed on Mar. 14, 2012, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/768,079, which was filed on Feb. 15, 2013, andU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/833,542, which was filed on Mar. 15,2013, are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as ifpresented herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to cartons for holding beveragecontainers or other types of articles. More specifically, the presentdisclosure relates to cartons having article protection features.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In general, one aspect of the disclosure is directed to a carton forholding a plurality of containers. The carton can comprise a pluralityof panels that extends at least partially around an interior of thecarton. The plurality of panels comprises a top panel. An insert cancomprise a central panel, an inner end flap foldably connected to thecentral panel, and at least one crown guard flap foldably connected tothe inner end flap adjacent a crown guard opening in the insert. Thecentral panel can comprise a stop edge adjacent the crown guard opening,and the crown guard flap can comprise a first portion foldably connectedto the inner end flap and a second portion foldably connected to thefirst portion. The top panel can at least partially overlap the centralpanel, and the second portion of the crown guard flap can be disposedadjacent the stop edge of the central panel.

In another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to, incombination, a carton blank and an insert blank for forming a carton forholding a plurality of containers. The carton blank can comprise aplurality of panels comprising a top panel. The insert blank cancomprise a central panel, an inner end flap foldably connected to thecentral panel, and at least one crown guard flap foldably connected tothe inner end flap adjacent a crown guard opening in the insert. Thecentral panel can comprising a stop edge adjacent the crown guardopening, and the crown guard flap can comprise a first portion foldablyconnected to the inner end flap and a second portion foldably connectedto the first portion. The top panel can at least partially overlap thecentral panel, and the second portion of the crown guard flap can bespaced apart from the stop edge of the central panel by the crown guardopening.

In another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a method offorming a carton for holding a plurality of containers. The method cancomprise obtaining a carton blank comprising a plurality of panelscomprising a top panel, and obtaining an insert blank comprising acentral panel, an inner end flap foldably connected to the centralpanel, and at least one crown guard flap foldably connected to the innerend flap adjacent a crown guard opening in the insert. The central panelcan comprise a stop edge adjacent the crown guard opening, and the crownguard flap can comprise a first portion foldably connected to the innerend flap and a second portion foldably connected to the first portion.The second portion can be spaced apart from the stop edge of the centralpanel by the crown guard opening. The method further can comprisepositioning the insert blank relative to the carton blank so that thetop panel at least partially overlaps the central panel, and forming aninterior of the carton at least partially defined by the plurality ofpanels. The forming the interior of the carton can comprise forming anopen-ended sleeve. Further, the method can comprise forming a crownretention feature in the interior of the carton comprising folding theinner end flap over an end of the open-ended sleeve, the folding theinner end flap causing the first portion of the crown guard flap to foldwith respect to the inner end flap and the second portion of the crownguard flap and positioning the second portion to be adjacent the stopedge of the central panel.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above stated advantages andother advantages and benefits of various additional embodiments readingthe following detailed description of the embodiments with reference tothe below-listed drawing figures. It is within the scope of the presentdisclosure that the above-discussed aspects be provided bothindividually and in various combinations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

According to common practice, the various features of the drawingsdiscussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. Dimensions ofvarious features and elements in the drawings may be expanded or reducedto more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an interior surface of a blank for forming acarton according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of an insert blank for forming an insert accordingto the first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are plan views of the insert blank of FIG. 2 incombination with the carton blank of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an external perspective view of an open-ended sleeve formed bythe combination of FIGS. 3 and 4 according to the first exemplaryembodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 is an internal perspective view of the open-ended sleeve of FIG.5.

FIGS. 7-10 are schematic side views of the open-ended sleeve of FIG. 5showing the formation of a crown retention feature according to thefirst exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an interior of the carton formed fromthe insert blank and the carton blank according to the first exemplaryembodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 12 is an interior perspective view of the carton formed from theinsert blank and the carton blank according to the first exemplaryembodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the erected carton according to thefirst exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of an insert blank for forming an insertaccording to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a plan view of the insert blank of FIG. 14 in combinationwith the carton blank of FIG. 1 according to the second exemplaryembodiment of the disclosure.

FIGS. 16 and 17 are schematic side views of an open-ended sleeve formedfrom the combination of FIG. 15 and showing the formation of a crownretention feature according to the second exemplary embodiment of thedisclosure.

FIG. 18 is an interior perspective view showing the configuration of thecrown guard feature of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a plan view of an insert blank for forming an insertaccording to a third exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 20 is a plan view of the insert blank of FIG. 19 in combinationwith the carton blank of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 21 and 22 are schematic side views of an open-ended sleeve formedfrom the combination of FIG. 20 and showing the formation of a crownretention feature according to the third exemplary embodiment of thedisclosure.

FIG. 23 is an interior perspective view showing the configuration of thecrown guard feature of FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a plan view of an insert blank for forming an insertaccording to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 25 is a plan view of an insert for forming an insert according to afifth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numbersthroughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure generally relates to cartons that containarticles such as containers, bottles, cans, etc. The articles can beused for packaging food and beverage products, for example. The articlescan be made from materials suitable in composition for packaging theparticular food or beverage item, and the materials include, but are notlimited to, aluminum and/or other metals; glass; plastics such as PET,LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PS, PVC, EVOH, and Nylon; and the like, or anycombination thereof.

Cartons according to the present disclosure can accommodate articles ofany shape. For the purpose of illustration and not for the purpose oflimiting the scope of the disclosure, the following detailed descriptiondescribes beverage containers (e.g., glass beverage bottles) as disposedwithin the carton embodiments. In this specification, the terms “inner,”“interior,” “outer,” “exterior,” “lower,” “bottom,” “upper,” and “top”indicate orientations determined in relation to fully erected andupright cartons.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the interior side 1 of a blank, generallyindicated at 3, used to form a carton 5 (FIG. 13) according to a firstexemplary embodiment of the disclosure. The carton 5 can be used tohouse a plurality of articles such as containers C with necks or upperportions N that are generally narrower than the lower portions of thecontainers (FIG. 8-11). The containers C can include tops or caps CP(FIG. 8-11). In the illustrated embodiment, the carton 5 is sized tohouse eighteen containers C in a single layer in a 3×6 arrangement, butit is understood that the carton 5 may be sized and shaped to holdcontainers of a different or same quantity in more than one layer and/orin different row/column arrangements (e.g., 1×6, 3×4, 2×6×2, 3×5, 4×5,2×9, 2×6, 4×4, etc.). The carton 5 can include a dispenser 10 (FIG. 13)for allowing access to the containers C. In the illustrated embodiment,the carton 5 includes first and second handles 11 (FIGS. 12 and 13) forgrasping and carrying the carton at a respective first end 7 and secondend 9 of the carton. As will be discussed below in more detail, thehandles 11, are formed from various features in the blank 3. The carton5 includes an insert 12 (FIGS. 6-12) that reinforces and strengthens thehandles 11 and includes crown guard features (e.g., a crown retentionpanel, an inner side flap, and crown guard flaps) that reinforce andstabilize the containers C in the carton.

The blank 3 and carton 5 can have features that are similar or identicalto the features described in any of the embodiments disclosed in theabove-noted incorporated by reference patent applications, includingU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/419,740, and all relatedapplications. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the carton 5 may havearticle protection flaps 13 for protecting the at least one article. Asnoted in the incorporated by reference applications, the articleprotection flaps 13 are moveable between a first position and a secondposition placed between adjacent containers C in the carton to reducemovement of the containers in the carton and prevent breakage of thecontainers. The carton 5 can have other features (e.g., articleprotection features in the ends 7, 9 of the carton 5 for cushioning oneor more of the containers C) without departing from the disclosure.

The carton blank 3 has a longitudinal axis L1 and a lateral axis L2. Thecarton blank 3 can include a longitudinal centerline C1, as shown inFIG. 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 3 comprises a top panel15 foldably connected to a first side panel 17 at a first lateral foldline 19. A bottom panel 21 is foldably connected to the first side panel17 at a second lateral fold line 23. A second side panel 25 is foldablyconnected to the bottom panel 21 at a third lateral fold line 27. In theillustrated embodiment, the blank 3 includes an attachment flap 29foldably connected to the top panel 15 at a fourth lateral fold line 31.Any of the top and bottom panels 15, 21, the first and second sidepanels 17, 25, and the attachment flap 29 can be otherwise shaped,arranged, configured, or omitted, without departing from the disclosure.For example, the blank 3 can alternatively include two top panelscooperating to form a top of the carton 5 or two bottom panelscooperating to form a bottom of the carton. Additionally, the attachmentflap 29 could be foldably connected to the second side panel 25 in analternative embodiment.

The top panel 15 is foldably connected to a first top end flap 33 and asecond top end flap 35. The first side panel 17 is foldably connected toa first side end flap 37 and a second side end flap 39. The bottom panel21 is foldably connected to a first bottom end flap 41 and a secondbottom end flap 43. The second side panel 25 is foldably connected to afirst side end flap 45 and a second side end flap 47. When the carton 5is erected, the top and bottom end flaps 33 and 41 and side end flaps 37and 45 close the first end 7 of the carton, and the top and bottom endflaps 35 and 43 and side end flaps 39 and 47 close the second end 9 ofthe carton. In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the presentdisclosure, different flap arrangements can be used for at leastpartially closing the ends 7, 9 of the carton 5.

In one embodiment, the top and bottom end flaps 33 and 41 and side endflaps 37 and 45 extend along a first marginal area of the blank 3, andare foldably connected at a first longitudinal fold line 62 that extendsalong the length of the blank. In the illustrated embodiment, the topand bottom end flaps 35 and 43 and side end flaps 39 and 47 extend alonga second marginal area of the blank 3, and are foldably connected at asecond longitudinal fold line 64 that also extends along the length ofthe blank. The longitudinal fold lines 62, 64 may be, for example,substantially straight, or offset at one or more locations to accountfor blank thickness or for other factors.

As shown in FIG. 1, the features that form the handles 11 of the carton5 include elongate handle flaps 49 formed in respective top end flaps33, 35 and foldably attached to the respective top end flap at arespective arcuate fold line 51. The handle flaps 49 are separable fromthe respective top end flaps 33, 35 along a respective cut or tear line53. An opposing arcuate fold line 55 can extend in each of the handleflaps 49 adjacent or proximate the respective arcuate fold lines 51, anda longitudinal score 57 can extend between the opposing arcuate foldlines 51, 55 in each of the handle flaps. In one embodiment, each of thehandle flaps 49 can have an edge (e.g., a curved edge) that is adjacenta cutout 59. The features that form the handles 11 further includecutouts 61 in the respective side end flaps 37, 45, 39, 47. The side endflaps 37, 45, 39, 47 can also include respective upper portions 63disposed above the respective cutouts 61. One of the handles 11 couldhave different features than the other handle or could be omittedwithout departing from the disclosure. One or both of the handles 11could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departingfrom the disclosure. For example, one or both of the opposing arcuatefold lines 51, 55 in each handle 11 could be generally longitudinal.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the dispenser 10 comprises anouter dispenser pattern 65 including an outer dispenser panel 66, twoouter tear lines 67, and a fold line 68 in the carton blank 3. The outerdispenser panel 66 is defined by the fold line 68 extending in the toppanel 15 generally in the lateral L2 direction and the outer tear lines67, which extend from the respective ends of the fold line 68 in the toppanel 15 and into the first side panel 17. As shown in FIG. 1, each ofthe tear lines 67 can include a generally longitudinal portion 67 a inat least the top panel 15 and an oblique portion 67 b in at least thefirst side panel 17. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer dispenserpattern 65 can include an access panel 69 that is foldably connected tothe outer dispenser panel 66 along a lateral fold line 70 and isseparable from the outer dispenser panel 66 and the first side panel 17along a tear or cut line 71. The outer dispenser panel 66 is separablefrom the top panel along the outer tear lines 67 to form a dispenseropening (not shown) to provide access to the containers C within thecarton. The access panel 69 can help initiate tearing along the outertear lines 67 by folding inwardly along the fold line 70 to form anaccess opening capable of receiving a hand, fingers, etc. so that a usercan grip the outer dispenser panel 66 adjacent the access panel 69 andpull the outer dispenser panel 66 outwardly from the carton 5. As shownin FIG. 1, the outer dispenser pattern 65 can also include a lateralscore 73 and cuts 75 that can also help with actuating the outerdispenser panel 66. The outer dispenser pattern 65 could be omitted orcould be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned and/or configuredwithout departing from the disclosure.

In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom panel 21 includes six articleprotection flaps 13 foldably connected to the bottom panel and arrangedin three rows with the middle row offset from the outer rows and withthe article protection flaps 13 having different orientations. In theillustrated embodiment, the article protection flaps 13 are asymmetric.The article protection flaps 13 could be omitted or could be otherwiseshaped, arranged, positioned, and/or configured without departing fromthe disclosure. For example, the article protection flaps can be similarto, or the same as, those described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/419,740, filed Mar. 14, 2012, the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference for all purposes as if presented herein in itsentirety.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exterior surface 101 of an insert blank 103 usedto form the insert 12 (FIGS. 6-12) for use in the carton 5 according tothe exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. As illustrated in FIGS. 2and 3, the longitudinal axis L1 and the lateral axis L2 of the insertblank 103 are oriented so that the longitudinal axis L1 and the lateralaxis L2 of the insert blank 103 comport with the respective longitudinalaxis L1 and lateral axis L2 of the carton blank 3 established in FIG. 1.In the illustrated embodiment, the insert blank 103 includes a centralpanel 107 and two inner end flaps 109, 111 respectively foldablyconnected to the central panel 107 at opposite ends of the centralpanel. A first fold line or area 113 connects the first inner end flap109 to the central panel 107 at the first end of the insert blank 103,and a second fold line or area 115 connects the second inner end flap111 to the central panel 107 at the second end of the insert blank 103.In the illustrated embodiment, each of the fold areas 113, 115 caninclude several fold lines (e.g., scores, creases, cut-crease lines,etc.). Alternatively, the fold areas 113, 115 can be other lines orareas of weakening for folding the reinforcing end panels 109, 111relative to the central panel 107 (e.g., a single fold line).

In the illustrated embodiment, the insert blank 103 includes featuresfor forming the handles 11 in the carton 5. Each of the inner end flaps109, 111 can include an inner handle flap 119 foldably attached to therespective inner end flap at a respective arcuate fold line 121. Theinner handle flaps 119 are separable from the respective inner end flaps109, 111 along a respective cut or tear line 123. An opposing arcuatefold line 125 can extend in each of the inner handle flaps 119 adjacentor proximate the respective arcuate fold lines 121, and a longitudinalfold line 127 can extend between the opposing arcuate fold lines 121,125 in each of the inner handle flaps. In one embodiment, each of theinner handle flaps 119 can have an edge (e.g., a curved edge) that isadjacent a cutout 129. An upper portion 131 can be disposed above eachof the inner handle flaps 119 in each of the inner end flaps 109, 111.The inner handle flaps 119, the fold lines 121, 125, 127, and thecutouts 129 can be similar or identical to the respective outer handleflaps 49, fold lines 51, 55, 57, and cutouts 59 so that the inner andouter handle flaps, fold lines, and cutouts are generally aligned and/orare overlapped with respect to one another in the handles 11 in theerected carton 5. The inner handle flaps 119, the fold lines 121, 125,127, the cutouts 129, the outer handle flaps 49, the fold lines 51, 55,57, and/or the cutouts 59 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/orconfigured without departing from the disclosure. For example, one orboth of the opposing arcuate fold lines 121, 125 in each of the innerhandle flaps 119 could be generally longitudinal.

In the illustrated embodiment, the insert blank 103 includes a side flap133 foldably connected to the central panel 107 at a lateral fold line135, which, as shown in FIG. 2, is offset from the outer edge of theinsert blank 103. In one embodiment, an inner side panel or crownretention panel 137 can be included in the central panel 107. As shownin FIG. 2, the crown retention panel 137 is foldably connected to thecentral panel 107 along a lateral fold line 139 that is spaced apartfrom a free edge 141 of the insert blank 103 by a distance D1. The crownretention panel 137 can be separable from the central panel 107 along atear or cut line 143. As shown in FIG. 2, the cut line 143 includesoblique portions extending from the fold line 139 and longitudinalportions extending from the oblique portions to a lateral portion. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the crown retention panel 137 includes twoattachment flaps 145 foldably connected to the crown retention panel 137along lateral fold lines 147. Each of the attachment flaps 145 caninclude a proximal portion 149 foldably connected to a distal portion151 along a lateral fold line 153 so that the proximal portion 149 canbe independently positioned with respect to the distal portion 151. Inone embodiment, each of the attachment flaps 145 can be separable fromthe crown retention panel 137 along a respective tear or cut line 155(e.g., a U-shaped cut line). The side flap 133, the crown retentionpanel 137, and/or the attachment flaps 145 could be otherwise shaped,arranged, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure. Forexample, the crown retention panel 137 could include any suitable numberof attachment flaps 145 (e.g., one or more than two attachment flaps).Additionally, one or both of the attachment flaps 145 and/or the crownretention panel 137 could be rotated with respect to the orientationshown in FIG. 2.

As shown in FIG. 2, the insert blank 103 can include an inner dispenserpattern 157 including an inner dispenser portion 159 (e.g., an innerdispenser panel) at least partially defined by inner tear lines 161.Each of the inner tear lines 161 can include a first portion 161 aextending from the cut or tear line 143 towards the fold line 135 and asecond portion 161 b extending from the free edge 141 of the insertblank 103 to the fold line 139. In one embodiment, the portions 161 a ofthe tear line 161 are generally aligned with the respective longitudinalportions of the cut line 143. As shown in FIG. 2, the inner dispenserpanel 159 can be foldably connected to the central panel 107 along alateral fold line 163 extending between the ends of the portions 161 aof the tear lines 161. The inner dispenser portion 159 is configured tobe aligned with the outer dispenser panel 66 of the top panel 15 of thecarton blank 3. In one embodiment, the inner dispenser panel 159 caninclude at least a portion of the crown retention panel 137. Forexample, the crown retention panel 137 can be pivoted upwardly with thedispenser panels 66, 159 when the dispenser is actuated. The innerdispenser pattern 157 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned,and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

In the illustrated embodiment, the insert blank 103 includes crown guardflaps 181, 183 foldably connected to the respective inner end flaps 109,111. As shown in FIG. 37, each of the crown guard flaps 181, 183includes a first portion 189 (e.g., a proximal portion) foldablyconnected to the respective inner end flap 109, 111 along a respectivefold line 185 and a second portion 191 (e.g., a distal portion) foldablyconnected to the respective first portion 189 along a respective foldline 193. The crown guard flaps 181 can extend in a respective openingor crown guard relief 195 in the central panel 107 and the respectiveinner end flap 109, 111, interrupting the respective fold areas 113,115. Accordingly, each of the fold areas 113, 115 includes two segments,each extending from the respective crown guard reliefs 195 to the outeredge of the insert 103. The central panel 107 can include a stop edge197 in each of the crown guard reliefs 195, and the stop edges 197 canbe sized and shaped to receive the respective second portions 191 of therespective crown guard flaps 181. The inner end flaps 109, 111 and/orthe crown guard flaps 181, 183 could be otherwise shaped, arranged,and/or configured without departing from the disclosure. Further, any ofthe inner end flaps 109, 111 and/or the crown guard flaps 181, 183 couldbe omitted without departing from the disclosure.

As shown in FIGS. 3-7, in one exemplary embodiment, the carton 5 can beassembled by initially adhering the insert blank 103 to the top panel 15and the top flaps 33, 35 of the carton blank 3. In the illustratedembodiment, the insert blank 103 can be positioned on the interiorsurface of the carton blank 3 so that the central panel 107 is at leastpartially in face-to-face contact with the top panel 15 and the innerend flaps 109, 111 are at least partially in face-to-face contact withthe respective top end flaps 33, 35 with the fold areas 113, 115generally aligned with the respective longitudinal fold lines 62, 64(FIGS. 3 and 4). Additionally, the crown guard flaps 181, 183 can beoverlapped by the top panel 15, the respective top end flaps 33, 35, andthe respective fold lines 62, 64 (FIGS. 3 and 4). For example, therelationship between the crown guard flap 181 and the crown guard relief195 with the top panel 15, the top end flap 33, the fold line 62, thecentral panel 107, and the inner end flap 109 is shown in the schematiccross-sectional view of FIG. 7. In the illustrated embodiment, theinsert blank 103 can be positioned so that the lateral fold line 135connecting the side flap 133 to the central panel 107 is spaced apartfrom the lateral fold line 31 connecting the top panel 15 to theattachment flap 29 by at least a distance D2 (FIG. 4) and the lateralfold line 139 connecting the crown retention panel 137 to the centralpanel 107 is spaced apart from the lateral fold line 19 and the firstside panel 17 by at least the distance D1 (FIGS. 2 and 4). The insertblank 103 could be otherwise positioned on the carton blank 3 withoutdeparting from the scope of this disclosure.

In the illustrated embodiment, the central panel 107 can be glued to theinterior surface of the top panel 15, and the inner end flaps 109, 111can be glued to the respective top end flaps 33, 35, such as by gluestrips (not shown). In one embodiment, the crown retention panel 137 isnot glued to the top panel 15, the side flap 133 is not glued to the toppanel 15 or the attachment flap 29, and the crown guard flaps 181, 183are not glued to the top panel 15 or the top end flaps 33, 35 so thatthe crown retention panel 137, the side flap 133, and the crown guardflaps 181, 183 can be positioned independently of the side panels, theattachment flap, and the top panel, and the top end flaps. In theillustrated embodiment, when the insert blank 103 is glued to the cartonblank 3, the outer handle flaps 49 at least partially overlap and/or aregenerally aligned with the inner handle flaps 119.

In the illustrated embodiment, the carton blank 103 can be folded alongthe lateral fold lines 19 and 27 so that the first side panel 17generally overlaps the top panel 15 and the central panel 107 and sothat the second side panel 25 generally overlaps the attachment flap 29.The attachment flap 29 can be glued to the interior surface of thesecond side panel 25, such as by a glue strip (not shown). Similarly,the attachment flaps 145 of the crown retention panel 137 can be gluedto the first side panel 17, such as by respective glue strips (notshown). In one embodiment, the attachment flaps 145 can be glued to theportion of the dispenser panel 66 that extends in the first side panel17.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment, the carton blank 3 withinsert blank 103 can be further erected into the carton 5 by foldingalong fold lines 19, 23, 27, and 31 to form an open-ended sleeve 170with an interior 172 (FIGS. 5 and 6). Containers C can be loaded intothe interior 172 of the open-ended sleeve 170 as described further below(FIGS. 8-10). In one embodiment, the containers C could be loaded beforeor after closing either or both of the ends 7, 9 of the carton. Thesleeve 170 could be otherwise formed without departing from the scope ofthis disclosure.

In the illustrated embodiment, as the open-ended sleeve 170 is formed,the insert blank 103 is formed into the insert 12. Accordingly, as theouter side panels 17, 25 are folded with respect to the top panel 15(e.g., so that the side panels 17, 25 are generally vertical and the toppanel 15 is generally horizontal), the crown retention panel 137 can atleast partially separate from the central panel 107 to extend at leastpartially into the interior 172 of the open-ended sleeve 170, generallyparallel to the first side panel 17. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 11, thecrown retention panel 137 can fold along the lateral fold line 139 andthe lateral fold lines 147, 153 so that the crown retention panel 137 isat least partially spaced apart from the second side panel 17 by thedistance D1 (FIGS. 6 and 11) into the interior 172 of the sleeve 170. Inthe illustrated embodiment, as the crown retention panel 137 separatesfrom the central panel 107 along cut line 143, an opening 173 (FIG. 6)is formed in the central panel 107. An interior edge 174 of the centralpanel 107 extends adjacent to the opening 173, and the top panel 15 canbe visible through the opening 173. The cut line 143 also forms an outeredge 175 of the crown retention panel 137. The outer edge 175 can have alowermost portion 177 (e.g., lowermost edge) as shown in FIGS. 6 and 11.In one embodiment, the attachment flaps 145 separate from the crownretention flap 137 along the respective cut lines 155 and remainattached to the first side panel 17 (FIGS. 6 and 11) to help stabilizethe lower portion of the crown retention panel 137.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 11, the side flap 133 can fold along the lateralfold line 135, which is spaced apart from the second side panel 25 bythe distance D2 (FIGS. 6 and 11). Accordingly, the side flap 133 canextend obliquely between the top panel 15 and the second side panel 25in the interior 172 of the carton. As shown in FIG. 11, the crownretention panel 137 and the inner side flap 133 can contact the upperportions N and/or caps CP of the containers C that are adjacent therespective side panels 17, 25 to help restrain the narrower upperportions N of the containers. The crown retention panel 137 and theinner side flap 133 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/orconfigured without departing from the disclosure.

The cross-sectional view of the top panel 15, the top end flap 33, thecentral panel 107, the inner end flap 109, the crown guard flap 181, andthe crown guard relief 195 is schematically shown in FIG. 7. Thecontainers C can be inserted into the sleeve 170 through the open end 7as schematically shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 in one exemplary embodiment.Accordingly, as the containers C pass through the open end 7, the topend flap 33 and the inner end flap 109 can be folded upwardly along therespective fold lines 62, 113 (FIG. 8) to help avoid catching the topsof the containers C on the outer edges of the top end flap 33 and theinner end flap 109. With the top end flap 33 and the inner end flap 109upwardly folded, the crown guard flap 181 can separate from the centralpanel 107 and the top panel 15 so that at least a portion of the secondportion 191 and/or the first portion 189 extends below the top panel 15and the central panel 107 as schematically shown in FIG. 8. While thecrown guard flap 181 extends into the interior of the sleeve 170, it isdirected away from the open end, generally in the direction of theloading of the containers C through the end 7 (e.g., along arrow A).Accordingly, as the containers C are inserted into the sleeve 170 in thedirection of arrow A, the tops of the containers can push the crownguard flap 181 out of the way as they pass through the open end 7. Incontrast, the tops of the containers could catch on the edge of analternative flap that is connected to the central panel 107 and thatextends towards the open end 7. The containers C can be loaded throughone or both ends 7, 9, and either end 7, 9 could be closed before orafter loading the containers C. The containers C could be loaded byalternative steps without departing from the disclosure.

In one embodiment, the ends 7, 9 of the carton 5 can be closed as shownin FIGS. 12 and 13. The side end flaps 37, 45 can be inwardly folded toat least partially close the first end 7. In the exemplary embodiment,the top end flap 33 and the inner end flap 109 can be downwardly foldedand the bottom end flap 41 can be upwardly folded to overlap the sideend flaps 37, 45 and to further at least partially close the first end7. When the top end flap 33 and the inner end flap 109 overlap the sideend flaps 37, 45, the inner and outer handle flaps 119, 49 are generallyaligned with the cutouts 61 in the side end flaps to form the handle 11.Accordingly, a user can grasp the carton 5 at the handle 11 by foldingthe handle flaps 49, 119 into the interior 172 of the carton to form ahandle opening (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the secondend 9 can be closed in a similar or identical manner as the first end 7,and the handle 11 in the second end 9 can be formed in a similar manneras the handle 11 in the first end 7. The first end 7 and/or the secondend 9 could be closed by other steps without departing from thedisclosure. Further, the handles 11 could be formed by other stepswithout departing from the disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 11, the containers C can be restrained at the narrowerupper portions N by the crown retention panel 137 and the side flap 133.As schematically shown in FIG. 10, the crown guard flap 181 can furtherrestrain the upper portions N of the containers C adjacent the end 7when the top end flap 33 and the inner end flap 109 are closed over theend 7. The side end flaps 37, 45 are omitted in the schematic view ofFIG. 10 for clarity. In one embodiment, as the top end flap 33 and theinner end flap 109 are folded downwardly with respect to the top panel15 and the central panel 107 (e.g., after folding the side end flaps 37,45 over the end 7 as shown in FIG. 12), the first portion 189 of thecrown guard flap 181 can separate from the top end flap 33 and the toppanel 15, folding along the fold line 185 so that the first portion 189extends obliquely between the top end flap 33 and the top panel 15. Thesecond portion 191 of the crown guard flap 181 can fold along the foldline 193 so that the second portion 191 can be generally in face-to-facecontact with the top panel 15 and slide along the top panel 15 until theedge of the second portion 191 engages the stop edge 197 of the centralpanel 107 (FIGS. 10 and 12). As shown in FIG. 10, the second portion 191and the fold line 193 can be spaced apart from the top end flap 33 andthe closed end 7 by a distance D3, and the crown guard flap 181 canengage the tops CP of the containers C adjacent the end 7 of the carton5 (e.g., at or near the fold lines 193). Accordingly, the crown guardflap 181 can help retain the containers C in the carton 5. The secondend 9 of the carton 5 with the crown guard flap 183 can be closed insimilar manner as the first end 7, and the crown guard flap 183 cansimilarly restrain the upper portions N of the containers C adjacent theend 9. The ends 7, 9 of the carton 5 could be otherwise formed withoutdeparting from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, the carton 5and the insert 12 could be otherwise formed without departing from thescope of the disclosure.

The erected carton 5 according to the exemplary embodiment is shown inFIG. 13. In the exemplary embodiment, the crown retention panel 137, theinner side flap 133, the crown guard flaps, and/or other crown guardfeatures can help provide an upper portion or crown area 176 (FIG. 12)of the carton 5 that is smaller than the lower portion of the carton tohelp restrain the narrower upper portions N of the containers C. In oneembodiment, the article protection flaps 13 in the bottom panel 21 alsohelp restrain movement of the containers C.

In the illustrated embodiment, a user can grasp and carry the carton 5at the handles 11 by folding the outer handle flaps 49 and the innerhandle flaps 119 into the interior 172 of the carton to form handleopenings (not shown) in the ends 7, 9 of the carton. The dispenser 10can be can be opened by tearing the dispenser panel 66 away along thetear lines 67 to form a dispenser opening (not shown) in the top panel15 and the side panel 17 of the carton 5. The tearing of the dispenserpanel can be initiated, for example, at the access panel 69. In oneembodiment, as shown by way of example in FIG. 9, the dispenser portion159 of the central panel 107 of the insert 12 defined between the tearlines 161 can be glued to the portion of the dispenser panel 66 in thetop panel 15. Accordingly, when the dispenser panel 66 is torn away, thecentral panel 107 can tear along the tear lines 161 and can fold alongthe fold line 163. Additionally, the crown retention panel 137, whichcan be attached to the dispenser panel 66 via the attachment flaps 145,can be pulled out of the interior of the carton as the dispenser panel66 is pivoted upwardly along the fold line 68 to help provide access tothe containers C. The handles 11 and/or the dispenser panel 10 could beotherwise actuated without departing from the disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of an insert blank 303 for forming an insert 212(FIGS. 17 and 18) according to a second embodiment of the disclosure.The insert 212 of the second embodiment is generally similar to theinsert of the first embodiment, except for variations noted andvariations that will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.Accordingly, similar or identical features of the embodiments have beengiven like or similar reference numbers. As shown in FIG. 14, the crownretention panel 337 can be defined by a tear or cut line 343 that has adifferent shape than the cut line 143 of the first embodiment. Further,the crown guard flaps 381, 383 include respective tabs 384 extendingfrom the respective second portions 391 into the respective firstportions 389. The tabs 384 can be at least partially defined bygenerally U-shaped tear lines or cuts 386 that interrupt the respectivefold lines 393. When the insert 212 is formed, the tabs 384 can formrespective crown lock apertures 388 (FIG. 18). The crown guard flaps381, 383, the tabs 384, and/or the cuts 386 could be otherwise shaped,arranged, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.Additionally, the insert blank 303 could be otherwise shaped, arranged,and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, in one embodiment, the insert blank 303 canbe overlapped with and/or glued to the carton blank 3 of the firstembodiment, or any other suitable carton blank. The insert blank 303 canbe aligned with the top panel 15 and the top end flaps 33, 35 of thecarton blank 3 similarly to the insert blank 103 of the first embodimentand formed into a sleeve (not shown) with the insert 212 therein. FIGS.16 and 17 schematically show the closing of one of the ends (e.g., afirst end 207) of the carton (not shown) and the interaction between thecrown guard flap 381 and the tops of the containers C in one embodiment.Accordingly, as the top end flap 33 and the inner end flap 309 arefolded downwardly with respect to the top panel 15 and the central panel307, the first portion 389 of the crown guard flap 381 can separate fromthe top end flap 33 and the top panel 15, folding along the fold line385 so that the first portion extends obliquely between the top end flap33 and the top panel 15. The second portion 391 of the crown guard flap381 can fold along the fold line 393 so that the tab 384 separates fromthe first portion 389 at the cut 386 and the second portion 391 and thetab 384 remain generally in face-to-face contact with the top panel 15and slide along the top panel 15 until the edge of the second portion391 engages the stop edge 397 of the central panel 307 (FIG. 17).

As shown in FIG. 17, wherein the side end flaps 37, 45 are omitted forclarity, the crown guard flap 381 can engage the top CP of one of thecontainers C adjacent the end 207 of the carton in the crown lockaperture 388 (FIG. 18). Accordingly, the top CP of one of the containersC can be at least partially received in the crown lock aperture 388,and, in one embodiment, an edge of the first portion 389 of the crownguard flap 381 adjacent the crown lock aperture 388 can engage under therim of the top CP. The other containers C adjacent the end 209 also canbe engaged by the crown guard flap 381 (e.g., at or near the fold lines393). Accordingly, the crown guard flap 381 can help retain thecontainers C in the carton. As shown in FIG. 17, the fold line 393 canbe spaced apart from the top end flap 33 by the distance D3 similarly tothat shown in the first embodiment. Additionally, in one embodiment, thetab 384 can be spaced apart from the top end flap 33 by a distance D4that is generally shorter than distance D3, as shown in FIG. 17. Thesecond end of the carton (not shown) can be closed in a similar manneras the first end 207. The ends of the carton could be otherwise formedwithout departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, thecarton and the insert 212 could be otherwise formed without departingfrom the scope of the disclosure. For example, one or both of the crownguard flaps 381, 383 could include a tab 384 and a crown lock aperture388 for each of the containers C adjacent the end 207 (e.g., three tabs384 and three crown lock apertures 388 for a 3×6 carton).

FIG. 19 is a plan view of an insert blank 503 for forming an insert 412(FIGS. 22 and 23) according to a third embodiment of the disclosure. Theinsert of the third embodiment is generally similar to the insert of thesecond embodiment, except for variations noted and variations that willbe apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, similar oridentical features of the embodiments have been given like or similarreference numbers. As shown in FIG. 19, each of the crown guard flaps581, 583 includes three tabs 584 a, 584 b, 584 c extending from therespective second portion 591 into the respective first portion 589.Each of the tabs 584 a, 584 b, 584 c can be at least partially definedby a generally U-shaped tear line or cut 586 that interrupts therespective fold lines 593. When the insert 412 is formed, the tabs 584a, 584 b, 584 c can form respective apertures 588 a, 588 b, 588 c (FIG.23). In one embodiment, the aperture 588 b can be a crown lock aperturesimilar to the crown lock aperture 388 of the second embodiment. Thecrown guard flaps 581, 583, the tabs 584 a, 584 b, 584 c, and/or thecuts 586 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured withoutdeparting from the disclosure. Additionally, the insert blank 503 couldbe otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing fromthe disclosure.

As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, in one embodiment, the insert blank 503 canbe overlapped with and/or glued to the carton blank 3 of the firstembodiment, or any other suitable carton blank. The insert blank 503 canbe aligned with the top panel 15 and the top end flaps 33, 35 of thecarton blank 3 similarly to the insert blank 103 of the first embodimentand formed into a sleeve (not shown) with the insert 412 therein. FIGS.21 and 22 schematically show the closing of one of the ends (e.g., afirst end 407) of the carton (not shown) and the interaction between thecrown guard flap 581 and the tops of the containers C in one embodiment.The closing of the end 407 can be similar to that shown and described inthe second embodiment above except that the tabs 584 a, 584 b, 584 c inthe crown guard flap 581 separate from the first portion 589 at the cuts586 to form the respective apertures 588 a, 588 b, 588 c. As noted abovethe aperture 588 b can be a crown lock aperture receiving the top of acontainers C adjacent the end 407 (e.g., the middle container at the end407). When the tabs 584 a, 584 c separate from the first portion 589,they can extend the distance D3 from the fold line 593 to abut thedownwardly-extending top end flap 33 (e.g., the tab 584 a isschematically shown extending from the fold line 593 to the top end flap33 in FIG. 22). Accordingly, the tabs 584 a, 584 c form stops that canhelp force the first portion 591 against the stop edge 597 of the centerpanel 307. In an alternative embodiment, the apertures 588 a, 588 c canbe sized and positioned to form additional crown lock apertures forreceiving additional containers C at the end 407. The second end of thecarton (not shown) can be closed in a similar manner as the first end407. The ends of the carton could be otherwise formed without departingfrom the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, the carton and theinsert 412 could be otherwise formed without departing from the scope ofthe disclosure.

FIG. 24 is a plan view of an insert blank 703 for forming an insert (notshown) according to a fourth embodiment of the disclosure. The insert ofthe fourth embodiment is generally similar to the insert of the firstembodiment, except for variations noted and variations that will beapparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, similar oridentical features of the embodiments have been given like or similarreference numbers. As shown in FIG. 24, the crown retention panel 737includes one attachment flap 145, and the dispenser pattern 757 includestwo tear lines extending in the crown retention panel 737. The crownguard flaps 781, 783 generally are similar to the crown guard flaps 181,183 of the first embodiment, but have a generally different shape. Theinsert blank 703 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configuredwithout departing from the disclosure.

FIG. 25 is a plan view of an insert blank 903 for forming an insert (notshown) according to fifth embodiment of the disclosure. The insert ofthe fifth embodiment is generally similar to the insert of the fourthembodiment, except for variations noted and variations that will beapparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, similar oridentical features of the embodiments have been given like or similarreference numbers. As shown in FIG. 25, the insert blank 903 includestwo crown guard flaps 981 foldably connected to the first inner end flap909 along respective fold lines 985 and two crown guard flaps 983foldably connected to the second inner end flap 911 along respectivefold lines 985. Each of the crown guard flaps 981, 983 includes a firstportion 989 and a second portion 991 foldably connected to therespective first portion 989 along a fold line 993. Each of the crownguard flaps 981, 983 extends adjacent a respective crown guard openingor relief 995. When the insert (not shown) is formed in the carton (notshown), each of the crown guard flaps 981, 983 can engage one or morecontainers C similarly to the crown guard flaps of the aboveembodiments. As shown in FIG. 25, the crown retention panel 937, theinner side flap 933, and the inner dispenser pattern 957 can havedifferent shapes than the respective features in the other embodiments.The insert blank 903 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/orconfigured without departing from the disclosure. For example, anysuitable number of crown guard flaps can be foldably connected to eachof the inner end flaps 909, 911.

Any of the features of the various embodiments of the disclosure can becombined with, replaced by, or otherwise configured with other featuresof other embodiments of the disclosure (and/or the disclosures that havebeen incorporated by reference) without departing from the scope of thisdisclosure. Further, it is noted that the inserts, insert blanks, and/orcrown retention features of the various embodiments can be incorporatedinto a carton having any carton style or panel configuration. The cartonstyles and panel configurations described above are included by way ofexample.

The blanks according to the present disclosure can be, for example,formed from coated paperboard and similar materials. For example, theinterior and/or exterior sides of the blanks can be coated with a claycoating. The clay coating may then be printed over with product,advertising, price coding, and other information or images. The blanksmay then be coated with a varnish to protect any information printed onthe blank. The blanks may also be coated with, for example, a moisturebarrier layer, on either or both sides of the blank. In accordance withthe above-described embodiments, the blanks may be constructed ofpaperboard of a caliper such that it is heavier and more rigid thanordinary paper. The blanks can also be constructed of other materials,such as cardboard, hard paper, or any other material having propertiessuitable for enabling the carton to function at least generally asdescribed herein. The blanks can also be laminated or coated with one ormore sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel sections.

In accordance with the above-described embodiments of the presentdisclosure, a fold line can be any substantially linear, although notnecessarily straight, form of weakening that facilitates foldingtherealong. More specifically, but not for the purpose of narrowing thescope of the present disclosure, fold lines include: a score line, suchas lines formed with a blunt scoring knife, or the like, which creates acrushed portion in the material along the desired line of weakness; acut that extends partially into a material along the desired line ofweakness, and/or a series of cuts that extend partially into and/orcompletely through the material along the desired line of weakness; andvarious combinations of these features.

As an example, a tear line can include: a slit that extends partiallyinto the material along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series ofspaced apart slits that extend partially into and/or completely throughthe material along the desired line of weakness, or various combinationsof these features. As a more specific example, one type tear line is inthe form of a series of spaced apart slits that extend completelythrough the material, with adjacent slits being spaced apart slightly sothat a nick (e.g., a small somewhat bridging-like piece of the material)is defined between the adjacent slits for typically temporarilyconnecting the material across the tear line. The nicks are brokenduring tearing along the tear line. The nicks typically are a relativelysmall percentage of the tear line, and alternatively the nicks can beomitted from or torn in a tear line such that the tear line is acontinuous cut line. That is, it is within the scope of the presentdisclosure for each of the tear lines to be replaced with a continuousslit, or the like. For example, a cut line can be a continuous slit orcould be wider than a slit without departing from the presentdisclosure.

The above embodiments may be described as having one or more panelsadhered together by glue during erection of the carton embodiments. Theterm “glue” is intended to encompass all manner of adhesives commonlyused to secure carton panels in place.

The foregoing description of the disclosure illustrates and describesvarious embodiments. As various changes could be made in the aboveconstruction without departing from the scope of the disclosure, it isintended that all matter contained in the above description or shown inthe accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and notin a limiting sense. Furthermore, the scope of the present disclosurecovers various modifications, combinations, alterations, etc., of theabove-described embodiments that are within the scope of the claims.Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only selectedembodiments of the disclosure, but the disclosure is capable of use invarious other combinations, modifications, and environments and iscapable of changes or modifications within the scope of the inventiveconcept as expressed herein, commensurate with the above teachings,and/or within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art. Furthermore,certain features and characteristics of each embodiment may beselectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated andnon-illustrated embodiments of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A carton for holding a plurality of containers,the carton comprising: a plurality of panels that extends at leastpartially around an interior of the carton, the plurality of panelscomprising a top panel; and an insert comprising a central panel, aninner end flap foldably connected to the central panel, and at least onecrown guard flap foldably connected to the inner end flap adjacent acrown guard opening in the insert, the central panel comprising a stopedge adjacent the crown guard opening, and the crown guard flapcomprising a first portion foldably connected to the inner end flap anda second portion foldably connected to the first portion; wherein thetop panel of the plurality of panels at least partially overlaps thecentral panel of the insert, the second portion of the crown guard flapis at least partially in contact with the top panel of the plurality ofpanels, and the second portion of the crown guard flap is disposedadjacent the stop edge of the central panel.
 2. The carton of claim 1,wherein the crown guard flap is configured to be in contact with atleast one container of the plurality of containers when the plurality ofcontainers are held in the interior of the carton, and at least aportion of the first portion of the crown guard flap extends obliquelywith respect to the inner end flap and the central panel.
 3. The cartonof claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the second portion of thecrown guard flap is configured to be disposed between a top portion ofthe at least one container and the top panel when the plurality ofcontainers are held in the interior of the carton.
 4. The carton ofclaim 1, wherein the second portion of the crown guard flap is at leastpartially in face-to-face contact with the top panel.
 5. The carton ofclaim 1, wherein the inner end flap is foldably connected to the centralpanel along a fold line, the fold line being interrupted by the crownguard opening.
 6. The carton of claim 5, wherein the fold line is afirst fold line, and the first portion of the crown guard flap isfoldably connected to the inner end flap along a second fold line thatis spaced apart from the first fold line and the central panel.
 7. Thecarton of claim 6, wherein the second portion of the crown guard flap isfoldably connected to the first portion along a third fold line that isspaced apart from the inner end flap and the first fold line.
 8. Acarton for holding a plurality of containers, the carton comprising: aplurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interiorof the carton, the plurality of panels comprising a top panel; and aninsert comprising a central panel, an inner end flap foldably connectedto the central panel, and at least one crown guard flap foldablyconnected to the inner end flap adjacent a crown guard opening in theinsert, the central panel comprising a stop edge adjacent the crownguard opening, and the crown guard flap comprising a first portionfoldably connected to the inner end flap and a second portion foldablyconnected to the first portion; wherein the top panel at least partiallyoverlaps the central panel, and the second portion of the crown guardflap is disposed adjacent the stop edge of the central panel; whereinthe second portion of the crown guard flap is foldably connected to thefirst portion of the crown guard flap along a fold line, and the crownguard flap comprises a tab extending from the second portion adjacent anaperture in the first portion, the aperture and the tab interrupting thefold line.
 9. The carton of claim 8, wherein the aperture is a crownlock aperture for receiving and at least partially engaging at least aportion of at least one container of the plurality of containers. 10.The carton of claim 9, wherein at least a portion of the second portionand the tab of the crown guard flap is for being disposed between a topportion of the at least one container and the top panel.
 11. The cartonof claim 8, wherein the tab extends from the second portion of the crownguard flap toward the inner end flap.
 12. The carton of claim 11,further comprising at least a top end flap foldably connected to the toppanel and at least partially overlapping the inner end flap, wherein thetab abuts the top end flap to urge at least a portion of the secondportion of the crown guard flap against the stop edge of the centralpanel.
 13. The carton of claim 8, wherein the tab is a first tab, theaperture is a first aperture, and the crown guard flap comprises atleast a second tab extending from the second portion adjacent a secondaperture.
 14. The carton of claim 13, further comprising at least a topend flap foldably connected to the top panel and at least partiallyoverlapping the inner end flap, wherein the first tab is spaced apartfrom the top end flap, and the second tab abuts the top end flap to urgeat least a portion of the second portion of the crown guard flap againstthe stop edge of the central panel.
 15. The carton of claim 1, whereinthe crown guard flap is a first crown guard flap, the crown guardopening is a first crown guard opening, and the insert comprises asecond crown guard flap foldably connected to the inner end flapadjacent a second crown guard opening.
 16. The carton of claim 15,wherein the first portion and the second portion of the first crownguard flap comprise a first proximal portion and a first distal portion,respectively, and the second crown guard flap comprises a secondproximal portion foldably connected to the inner end flap and a seconddistal portion foldably connected to the second proximal portion. 17.The carton of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of end flapsrespectively foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality ofpanels, the plurality of end flaps being at least partially overlappedwith respect to one another to thereby at least partially form a closedend of the carton, the plurality of end flaps comprising a top end flapfoldably connected to the top panel and at least partially overlappingthe inner end flap.
 18. A carton for holding a plurality of containers,the carton comprising: a plurality of panels that extends at leastpartially around an interior of the carton, the plurality of panelscomprising a top panel; an insert comprising a central panel, an innerend flap foldably connected to the central panel, and at least one crownguard flap foldably connected to the inner end flap adjacent a crownguard opening in the insert, the central panel comprising a stop edgeadjacent the crown guard opening, and the crown guard flap comprising afirst portion foldably connected to the inner end flap and a secondportion foldably connected to the first portion; a plurality of endflaps respectively foldably connected to respective panels of theplurality of panels, the plurality of end flaps being at least partiallyoverlapped with respect to one another to thereby at least partiallyform a closed end of the carton, the plurality of end flaps comprising atop end flap foldably connected to the top panel and at least partiallyoverlapping the inner end flap; and a handle formed in the closed end,the handle extending in at least the top end flap and the inner endflap; wherein the top panel at least partially overlaps the centralpanel, and the second portion of the crown guard flap is disposedadjacent the stop edge of the central panel.
 19. The carton of claim 18,wherein the handle comprises at least one handle flap foldably connectedto at least one of the top end flap and the inner end flap.
 20. A cartonfor holding a plurality of containers, the carton comprising: aplurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interiorof the carton, the plurality of panels comprising a top panel; and aninsert comprising a central panel, an inner end flap foldably connectedto the central panel, and at least one crown guard flap foldablyconnected to the inner end flap adjacent a crown guard opening in theinsert, the central panel comprising a stop edge adjacent the crownguard opening, and the crown guard flap comprising a first portionfoldably connected to the inner end flap and a second portion foldablyconnected to the first portion; wherein the top panel at least partiallyoverlaps the central panel, and the second portion of the crown guardflap is disposed adjacent the stop edge of the central panel; whereinthe insert further comprises a crown retention panel foldably connectedto the central panel and an attachment flap foldably connected to thecrown retention panel.
 21. The carton of claim 20, wherein the pluralityof panels further comprises a side panel, at least a portion of thecrown retention panel is spaced apart from the side panel in theinterior of the carton, and at least a portion of the attachment flap isat least partially in face-to-face contact with the side panel.
 22. Thecarton of claim 21, wherein crown retention panel is positioned forcontact with at least one container of the plurality of containers. 23.The carton of claim 21, wherein the side panel is a first side panel,the carton further comprises a second side panel, and the insert furthercomprises a side flap foldably connected to the central panel along alateral fold line, the side flap extending at least generally downwardlyfrom the central panel and towards the second side panel in the interiorof the carton.